Macedonian Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the Balkans, known for Lake Ohrid, one of Europe's oldest lakes, and its capital, Skopje. Macedonian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet. Macedonians in Britain include workers, professionals, students and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 14 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as North Macedonian.

Working for Birmingham

Macedonian residents work in construction, hospitality, healthcare, IT and business, and many are skilled tradespeople. Macedonian professionals bring skills in engineering and technology, and the community is known for its warm welcome.

Healthcare, education and the skilled trades are three of the pillars of the city's economy. The NHS is one of Birmingham's biggest employers, its universities teach tens of thousands of students, and there is steady demand for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, decorators and handymen in every neighbourhood, alongside business, transport, hospitality, retail and the city's growing digital and creative industries. People from every background keep these sectors running, and the Macedonian community shares in that effort.

Culture and community life

Tavce gravce, baked beans, is the national dish, and ajvar, a red pepper relish, is made by families every autumn. Christmas and Easter are celebrated in the Orthodox tradition, and the Lake Ohrid region, recognised by UNESCO, is a source of great pride. Macedonian folk dance, the oro, is danced in a circle at weddings and festivals, bringing together family and friends of all ages.

In a city where scores of languages are spoken, the Macedonian community adds another voice to the conversation. Its members, old and new, are helping to make Birmingham the confident, outward-looking city it wants to be.